Last time I shared a ministry idea, it was after-the-fact and therefore not all that helpful for my friends in campus ministry. Here's a quick idea that we've utilized for the past few years and have found to be extremely encouraging and beneficial.
It's been our tradition for quite some time to set aside our last weekly worship gathering to allow our graduating seniors* to share testimony of what God has done in their lives during their college career. That may or may not be something you've already incorporated into your ministry. For us it's been great to hear from those students, and for our younger students to hear their reflections on what really matters most. One of the themes that always comes up is living every moment for Christ and not missing the multitude of opportunities that come your way.
* They don't necessarily have to be graduating seniors to share. Some are students that have been faithfully involved and are transferring to another school, while others will be away on internships or student teaching.
On top of that, we also present our students with the gift of a new Bible. We've settled on the Quest Study Bible. While I'm a bit hesitant to promote study Bibles in general*, I find this one to be a good resource and a great going away gift. Some of our students have admitted putting off buying a new Bible until they graduate, since they know they'll be getting one then!
* My main issue with study Bibles is when they become a primary source rather than a secondary source. I think it's important to approach a passage in prayer, trusting the Spirit to guide us in all truth. Only after we have followed His leading should we consult a commentary or study Bible, lest they serve as nothing more than a crutch.
While having seniors share and presenting them with a gift may not be a new idea, there's one more wrinkle we've thrown into the mix. Another great thing about the Quest Study Bible is that there are several blank pages at the front and the back. We utilize these pages as a yearbook of sorts, allowing the rest of our students a chance to write prayers, verses, memories and words of encouragement. This makes for a very unique Bible, allowing them not only to grow as they read the Word of God, but also giving them some great reminders of what God did in and through their lives during their time at college.
So this year, after hearing from our graduates and allowing them to pour into our returning students, we will pour back into them. We will gather around them to pray for their future, and then we'll put these Bibles out for the rest of our students to share words of encouragement from the Lord. Perhaps you'd like to do the same, or could take the idea and make it even better. If you do, I'd love to hear from you!
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